If Mitch Marner departs from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Easton Cowan could unexpectedly emerge as a strong candidate to fill the vital role on Auston Matthews’ right wing. Although the challenge of securing top-line minutes is significant, Cowan’s potential makes it worth considering him as a replacement in the evolving Maple Leafs lineup.
How Cowan’s Endurance and Playing Style Align with Matthews’ Approach
Auston Matthews excels when paired with wingers who combine competitiveness, speed, and strategic awareness. Cowan’s relentless energy and work ethic demonstrate a natural synergy with Matthews’ high standards. Despite Cowan’s experience being limited to junior hockey so far, his persistent forechecking, smart puck support, and consistent effort suggest he could complement Matthews well as a two-way forward, playing the entire ice surface effectively.
Cowan’s style echoes some traits of Zach Hyman, focusing on direct, disruptive play that benefits Matthews by creating better scoring chances. While he may not produce the same finesse or chemistry Marner brings, Cowan offers a different but valuable dynamic—one that is grounded in hunger and physical engagement, which could provide Matthews with a new edge on the right wing.
Fast-Tracked Growth Could Propel Cowan Into a Larger Role Sooner Than Expected
Recent seasons with the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League have put Cowan on the radar, especially through his noteworthy performances in playoff runs and during the Memorial Cup. Beyond mere point production, Cowan makes an impact by controlling play and leading with intensity and awareness. Transitioning from junior hockey to a top NHL line is a difficult leap, yet Cowan shows signs of possessing the necessary instinct to adapt rapidly.
Initially, Cowan might begin his NHL career in a supporting role within the bottom six. However, his capacity to cope with the NHL’s pace and structural demands could speed up his ascent, especially under head coach Craig Berube’s flexible line adjustments. If the Maple Leafs do not bring in a marquee winger to replace Marner, Cowan’s opportunity to play alongside Matthews may arise sooner than anticipated.
Salary Cap Benefits and Team Accountability Make Cowan a Valuable Asset
On an entry-level contract, Cowan represents a cost-effective option compared to Marner’s $10.9 million cap hit. Should Marner leave, Cowan’s presence could help the Maple Leafs balance their roster spend, enabling budget room for enhancements at other positions. Despite anticipated salary cap increases, the club must maximize returns from younger, cost-controlled players like Cowan to maintain a competitive roster.
Moreover, Cowan’s commitment to the defensive side—tracking back, shot-blocking, and winning battles along the boards—earns trust from coaches. His vocal presence and consistent effort align with Berube’s philosophy of demanding accountability and intensity. Unlike some offensively skilled but less reliable players such as Nicholas Robertson, Cowan’s two-way game may fast-track his ice time, especially as the Leafs embrace a gritty, playoff-ready mindset.
Experimenting with the Cowan-Matthews-Knies Combination Could Yield Surprising Chemistry
The Maple Leafs have learned that chemistry can’t be rushed or forced. Marner and Matthews developed their exceptional connection over time, and while Cowan is still unproven at the NHL level, the possibility exists that he might similarly click with Matthews during practice sessions or limited game trials. Berube’s readiness to adapt lineups based on performance favors giving such combinations a real chance to gel.
It remains uncertain if Cowan will fully replace Marner in the near term. The team might choose instead to pursue a veteran winger like Jonathan Toews or shift Max Domi into a larger role while allowing Cowan to develop gradually. Nevertheless, Cowan’s consistent progress in skill and maturity makes him a candidate worth monitoring closely for increased responsibility and ice time.
If Cowan can match Matthews’ intensity, skill level, and two-way commitment, he could become a fitting, albeit unconventional, right-wing option. His blend of grit, speed, and emerging talent might prove to be a quietly effective solution in the Maple Leafs’ quest to maintain offensive balance and competitive edge in the post-Marner era.